How to Take Care of Blisters on the Bottom of Feet

Blisters are sacs filled with fluid that usually result from friction. They commonly appear on the feet and are usually the result of ill-fitting shoes. Reddened skin at the area of irritation is the first sign a blister is forming. Blisters do not require medical treatment and you can care for them effectively on your own. The Mayo Clinic and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil offer several suggestions.

Things You'll Need

Gauze or bandages

Soap

Antibiotic ointment or tea tree oil

Clean needle

Cover the reddened area with a flannel-covered bandage called moleskin, water-based gel dressing like Second Skin or petroleum jelly to protect the skin and ease pain. This can help prevent a blister from forming.

Do not pop an already formed blister unless it is causing pain or interfering with your ability to walk. Cover it with a bandage or, if it is larger, a piece of plastic-coated gauze. If you need to pop the blister, use the following information to do it safely.

Wash your hands and the blister with soap and water.

Sterilize a needle by placing it in a flame until it turns red (let it cool before using) or clean it with rubbing alcohol.

Gently prick the blister in a few spots near its edge and let the fluid drain out.

Do not remove the extra skin; this will slow healing.

Put antibiotic ointment or tea tree oil on the blister and cover with a bandage or gauze pad.

Tips & Warnings

Wear moleskin on vulnerable areas of your feet when you are hiking, running or doing other activities that require you to be on your feet moving a lot. Wear thick socks and shoes that fit properly. Wear shoes that are appropriate for physical activity.

See your doctor if you notice signs of infection like pus, redness or warmth in the area of the blister. Also, be on the lookout for red streaks near the blister and fever; this indicates cellulitis, a potentially serious infection that requires prompt medical treatment.